Optimization of Technological Operations for Cultivation of Field Crops Under Arid Conditions of the Volga Region

Abstract

The study performed in 2019–2022 was aimed at the identification of the possibility and prospects of using resource-saving technologies in a six-field grain–fallow–row-crop rotation on ordinary black earth. Four technologies of field crop cultivation were tested, including the conventional technology, direct sowing, and two differentiated tillage systems. During the period of study, the prospects of resource-saving technologies with a complex of intensification tools were revealed. Compared with the conventional system, the yield increase in other technologies was 0.30–0.57 t/ha (11.0–21.0%). The maximum crop rotation productivity (2400 grain units/ha) was observed for the differentiated tillage technology combined with the use of intensification tools and exceeded that for the direct sowing by 200 grain units/ha (9.1%) and those for the conventional and resource-saving (with the extensive background) technologies by 380–610 grain units/ha. Based on the obtained results, the following technological operations have been proposed for the cultivation of field crops using a universal AUP-18.05 sowing unit (direct sowing of grain crops) or a Kuhn seeder (for sunflower): differentiated tillage in a crop rotation (including soil loosening by 25–27 cm using a PCh-4.5 chisel plow for sunflower and soybean, no autumn treatment for the bare fallow, and a direct sowing for barley and spring wheat) or direct sowing to provide the maximum recoupment of investments; application of ammonium nitrate at a dose of N40 (presowing introduction for spring wheat and barley or spring fertilizing of winter wheat); the main application of azophoska (N15P15K15) for the cultivation of sunflower and soybean; and a crop treatment with Bionex Kemi fertilizer, Phytosporin biofungicide, and Soligor fungicide (Borogum fertilizer for sunflower).